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Soul Calibur IV coming July 29 in regular and 'premium' editions
A tale eternally retold (and resold), the Soul Calibur franchise will be making its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 debut on July 29th in North America. In case you haven't been staying abreast with the fighting franchise's ample development, Soul Calibur IV sees the character roster expanding in an inverse proportion to the size of Ivy's clothes. At last count, the cast included an undead demon pirate, a Sith lord, an asthmatic S&M fetishist and a little green friend. Oh well, at least Spawn's not in this one.As excited as we are, purchasing the game won't be as easy as simply walking to the store shelf and stuffing it into our trench coats, like we normally do. It seems Namco Bandai has constructed a chicane of decisions for us all: Want to play as Darth Vader right away? Get the PlayStation 3 version. Perhaps you'd prefer Yoda instead? That's the Xbox 360 version. Would you like a comic book, a "tournament kit" and "extra customization content?" Oh, you want the $79.99 Premium Edition ... don't you?
Soulcalibur IV video displays prowess of Vader, Yoda
You know, we haven't seen a new video for Soulcalibur IV in a long time, so even though this one isn't exactly "official", it does offer a first-time look at gameplay footage of both Darth Vader and Yoda -- the extra characters mysteriously added to the game. Let's not forget that Vader is exclusive to the PS3 version (while Yoda is exclusive to the Xbox 360).What can we say? They seem like they'll fit in nicely, and we hope to see more weapon-based fighter action in the near future. New images of the game can also be found at Jeux-France.
Soul Calibur IV's Amy, Cervantes and Zasalamel revealed in screenshots
While Soul Calibur IV's trio of Amy, Cervantes and Zasalamel were first revealed this week in the pages of Famitsu, we find that we're often far too busy to be bothered with flipping through a magazine looking at pictures, let alone one we can't even read. That's why we're thrilled that Namco Bandai has sent out some screens showing off the characters as they make the high-def leap from the PS2-exclusive Soul Calibur III to this summer's sequel. Still, as fearsome as Cervantes is (just look at that pirate scowl, you know he means business), we still wonder how even he will handle dealing with Jedi. %Gallery-6043%
Rumor: GameStop dates Prototype, Splinter Cell V, Sonic Unleashed, Rogue Warrior and more
One of our loyal X3F Army tipsters has outed himself as an employee of GameStop, but to make up for it he sent us a camera phone image of a few release dates. While you should take these dates with a grain of salt some of them are accurate, specifically Ninja Gaiden 2, Soul Calibur IV and Civilization Revolution.Fueling the fire of the Sega's Sonic Unleashed leak is a release date of November 4 for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and PS2. EA's NFL Head Coach 09 is slated for a September 3 release and based on the release of the original in relation to Madden, the time frame seems accurate. A few titles we haven't heard much from are Bethesda Softworks' Rogue Warrior (November 10) and Edios Interactive's Shellshock 2: Blood Trails (September 1), which is being developed by the team at Rebellion.Other dates include Sierra's Prototype from Radical and the Xbox 360 exclusive Splinter Cell: Conviction from Ubisoft which are dated for October 21 and October 2 respectfully.Remember, pre-order focused retailers tend to guess-timate releases on a regular basis to structure their sales goals for the final two quarters of the year. However, some of the names on this list make us really glad we have a rumor category.[Thanks, Travisto]
Four new Soul Calibur IV characters
Revealed via the weekly Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, Soul Calibur IV has four more confirmed characters. Zasalamel, Cervantes and Amy are returning from the PS2-exclusive Soul Calibur III. The news of returning characters isn't exactly surprise, however the look the new character, Angol Fear, is. With some rather, err, strange accessories the new character seems to wield a large sword, and is said to be inspired-by or connected-to the character Angol Mois. With these newest character reveals, Soul Calibur IV's roster seems to be growing larger all the time, not to mention the exclusives of Yoda and Vader. Plus, if Namco-Bandai keeps the feature-set of the third game then IV will be the first chance for Xbox-exclusive gamers to get a look at series' create-a-player mode. SCIV is set to release this summer.
Latest Soulcalibur IV scan reveals new character, returning cast
A new Famitsu scan, a new Soulcalibur IV character revealed. This time, one more fresh female face joins the roster; her name is Angol Fear. She sounds frightening, doesn't she? Angol Fear is said to be a character from the Keroro Gunsou anime. It's an odd choice for a guest character if you ask us. Seems a little too niche. It begs the question: is this character even going to make it in the North American version? A second question comes to mind: why are there no Namco guest characters? We'd love to see more Tekken cameos, or even Kos-Mos from Xenosaga -- that is, if there are no business complications on that end.Anyway, Soulcalibur fanatics will love this info: Cervantes and Zasalamel are returning. Amy from Soulcalibur III will also be returning. With the news of this latest revelation, the majority of Soulcalibur alumni have now been confirmed. We're still missing the likes of Setsuka, Talim, Yoshimitsu, and Rock. Talim, deary, where are you?
Famitsu reveals new female Soul Calibur IV fighter
Our Famitsu friends just revealed a brand new character that'll making a debut in the upcoming Star Wars infused Soul Calibur IV and she (yes she) is feisty looking one.Her name is Scheherazade (pronunciation anyone?), she sports a saber-like weapon and comes across as a scantily clad swordswoman who loves the color pink and frilly outfits. That said, we're sure she could beat us down any day. No other Scheherazade details could be lifted from Famitsu's foreign pages, but we expect good old Namco to come to our informative-rescue and announce the entire Soul Calibur IV character list before launch. Until then, we'll try our darnedest to envision Yoda and Scheherazade going head to head in a battle to the death. Odd ...[Via EuroGamer]
New Soulcalibur IV character revealed
In the latest issue of Famitsu, a new character for Soulcalibur IV has been unveiled. Her name is Scheherazade, and she joins the cast of fighters using a rapier for a weapon. A Raphael clone perhaps? One odd noticeable trait of Scheherazade is that she has pointy ears, almost looking elf-like. Her character portrait is also drawn in a different style from the other mainstay characters. We're not sure what that could mean, but we won't read too far into it. The name Scheherazade sounds familiar, especially to this blogger. One Thousand and One Nights anyone?
Soulcalibur IV box art: PS3 = dark side
Ooh, our comrades at XBF found these two uber-cool box arts for Soulcalibur IV. The cover art, minus the lightsabers, showed up on Gamestop's website. It appears that these pack shots play heavily on the Star Wars guest characters, Yoda and Darth Vader, creating a strong light-vs-dark theme. The box arts seen here could very well be just placeholder until the actual ones come out; however, they do look quite similar to Soulcalibur II's artwork that also featured guest characters.While we've definitely got the cooler guest character in Darth Vader, the 360 version has series heartthrob, Siegfried on the cover. They've also got the Soul Calibur sword and the new female character Hilde, while we've got Soul Edge and everybody's favorite buxom babe Ivy. Now XBF asked their readers which one do they think has the better design, and we're doing the same! So which one do you like better?[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Brand new Soulcalibur IV screenshots
Click for high resolution image. Nineteen new screenshots from the upcoming Namco Bandai fighter, Soulcalibur IV, have been unearthed. In them, you can see some familiar characters. Maxi, Yunseong, Cassandra and Raphael can all be spotted in these new shots. Also, see Hidel and Mina in these dramatic, cleavage-filled screenshots.%Gallery-4984%
Vader & Yoda 'naturally' fit into Soul Calibur IV
Soul Calibur IV director Katsutoshi Sasaki describes forthcoming guest appearances by Darth Vader and Yoda in the Soul Calibur universe as an obvious choice in this video interview with GameTrailers. Considering that Sasaki makes it clear that his games are built for "the consumers," we're starting to understand his brand of logic. Forget that Star Wars is set in a galaxy far, far away from the fantasy world of the Soul series. Rather, focus on Star Wars as one of the most profitable IPs of all time, and you can see why developer Project Soul gladly invited this force into its game – "naturally."
Sasaki: Ring outs evolve in SoulCalibur IV
We were all in for quite a shock when it was revealed that Darth Vader would be entering the tournament in SoulCalibur IV exclusively on the PS3. Now that the shock has worn away a little and we've had a chance to catch our breath, here comes a nice interview with the game's director Katsutoshi Sasaki, who talks about a myriad of topics ranging from the evolution of the game's ring outs to why the team included Star Wars' most popular character. To be perfectly honest, we were sold on the game after Ivy was *ahem* revealed, but with the newest addition and everything Sasaki said, we think we're starting to feel like those Star Wars guys who wait in line weeks to watch a new episode.
Soul Calibur IV creator gives details on game, justifies Vader
We appreciate Soul Calibur IV director Katsutoshi Sasaki's candor. In a recent CES interview with GameTrailers, the Namco Bandai bigwig explained the bizarre inclusion of Darth Vader and Yoda as playable characters in his upcoming game, simply stating that he's giving gamers what they want. Here at Joystiq HQ, we appreciate nonsensical pandering more than the average bear. How about Jack Bauer as the protagonist of the next Resistance game? Chuck Norris in Street Fighter IV? Or an unlockable Ron Paul in Super Smash Bros. Brawl? (Actually, no news about Brawl would shock us at this point.)
Today's crossover video: Soul Calibur Star Wars
We hoped it was a joke, but trailers don't lie, do they? Sure, the best part of that one Star Wars was when Yoda flipped out and killed people. (Actually, it was probably the best part of all three.) But a Yoda-and-Darth cross-over to Soul Calibur IV? We're not sure if we should feel bad for Star Wars or Soul Calibur.But here's the trailer. Watch it with your splayed fingers covering your eyes after the break. Or drink from the HD faucet at GameTrailers.
SCIV: See Darth Vader and Yoda in action
Dear lord. We went to bed knowing that Darth Vader and Yoda were showing up in Soul Calibur IV (Yoda is apparently 360 exclusive by the way, whereas Darth joins the Dark Side PS3). That alone was very disturbing. All night we had unsettling dreams about the effects of Force powers on inordinately large breasts. And now we have this, a trailer showcasing them both. Honestly, if someone from Namco Bandai burst through the wall of Fanboy Towers right now screaming "Gotcha!" we wouldn't be surprised. After witnessing some hefty hoaxes and jokes over the years, making this a little hard to swallow, but we're doing our best. Alas, you won't actually see Yoda or Darth doing any fighting, but at least you can see them in motion. On a side note, the game is looking great. Check out the video and see what you think. Hit the "read" link for some HD goodness.
Soul Calibur IV's secret characters: Darth Vader and Yoda
Is it April already? A quick glance at our calendars confirms that it's still January, and an extended glance at 1UP's reveal of Soul Calibur IV's secret characters does nothing to evaporate the reigning feeling of utter confusion. The lineup of saucer-eyed assassins, scantily clad combatants and bizarre pain fetishists in Namco's anticipated fighter is set to be joined by the Sith's darkest lord and the Force's most diminutive master. Our little green friend can almost manage to fit in to Soul Calibur's ye olde fantasy trappings, but poor ol' Vader appears to have gotten lost and disoriented after leaping over some sharks on his space jet ski.Even better news can be found in 1UP's suspicion that even more Star Wars characters will waltz into Calibur's cantina, possibly via downloadable content. An interesting idea, but we reckon you'd save money by simply buying a copy of Masters of Teräs Käsi off eBay.Update: Gamespot reports that Darth Vader is reserved for the PlayStation 3, while Yoda will be included in the Xbox 360 version.[Thanks, Antonio]
Darth Vader and Yoda join Soulcalibur IV [Update]
Yes, this is quite possibly the strangest gaming news we've heard of in a while. Star Wars characters Darth Vader and Yoda have joined Namco Bandai's PS3 fighter, Soulcalibur IV. We could possibly write something funny to describe this situation, but we're confident that you guys will do much better than us.The franchise has been home to other non-canon characters, such as Link from The Legend of Zelda. What do you think about this Lucas-flavored addition to this fighter?Check out all the images at 1UP. [Update: Movie is now embedded.][Thanks, David C.!]
New Soulcalibur IV screens detail ladies, man, beast
We've got our hands on several new screenshots of Soul Calibur IV in action. In this entry, you'll see some girl on monster action as well as some manly girl on girly man action. Intrigued? We think we are, too. This is always one of the most enjoyable fighting franchises out there (right next to Guilty Gear, of course...) and these screens show that in addition to the fantastic gameplay we've grown to love, we'll also have to make sure we remind ourselves that it's just a game and by drooling and ogling we've become something marginally less than human. Enjoy!%Gallery-4984%
TGS07 leftovers: Soulcalibur IV screenshots
Click for high-res image. We still have a few leftover goodies from Tokyo Game Show. Like these screenshots of Soulcalibur IV. As a wise roommate once said, "these are pretty." Indeed, they are pretty.There should be more to say about the game, aside from gawking at its pretty looks (what game these days doesn't look good?). But, we've already focused on the outlandish character designs -- and the ridiculous story. It looks like we have no choice but to drool just a little bit longer.%Gallery-4984%
TGS07: The story of Soulcalibur IV
Click to see high-res image. Namco Bandai has managed to sneak a little bit of story into all of its Soulcalibur fighting games. Ultimately, they provide little reason as to why these characters seem to enjoy beating the c**p out of each other -- but it's good fun for us, nonetheless. The story of the upcoming Soulcalibur IV ties in the fate of the Soul Edge and the Soul Calibur and is presented in its now-trademark melodramatic style.A fun drinking game to play while reading the Prologue is to take a shot every time the word "soul" is used. Let's see if you can survive!%Gallery-7829%
